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Title

Author

Date of Award

2017

Document Type

Thesis - Pacific Access Restricted

Degree Name

Master of Arts (M.A.)

Department

Food Studies

First Advisor

Alison H. Alkon

First Committee Member

Polly Adema

Abstract

Food programs that provide employees free meals have become increasingly popular at tech companies. Through the use of multiple research methods including photo documentation, observations, and interviews, this thesis will explore the foodscape created by Airbnb’s food program. This thesis seeks to understand the ways in which a company can promote health, sustainability, and commensality in a food program and avoid inadvertently causing negative health outcomes. The research presented here will help offer insights into how offering free meals can affect the culture of the workplace and the health of employees with the hopes of identifying areas for future research.